3 arrested in shootings of North Providence father, son

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — North Providence police say with the help of surveillance video and witness statements they have arrested three suspects in connection with a double shooting that left a father dead and his son critically injured.

Ernest Keosouphanh and Brandyn Pavao were both charged with first degree murder and ordered held without bail following their arraignments Tuesday afternoon. Bail was set at $20,000 for Davante Neves, accused of conspiring to assault the younger Avila.

Police say Keosouphanh was the sole gunman.

The homicide victim’s wife Georgette Avila cried out in court as Keosouphanh was arraigned.

“You murderer,” she said. “You killed a husband and father.”

During Tuesday’s arraignments, Detective William Shurick revealed Avila III was shot eight times from his neck to his hamstring. The family says he underwent two surgeries and is expected to survived.

The elder Avila took one fatal shot to the torso.

Georgette Avila, who was at the scene, said her son was buying juice when a group of people including Pavao approached him asking where to buy marijuana. When he said he didn’t know, an argument ensued.